The Gate itself consisted of large rolling doors made of steel and iron,[1] set between towers and bastions of indomitable stone.[2] Behind the Gate was a wide court that ended at the base of the great "ship-keel" of stone that cut through most of the city.[1] Before the Gate was the Gateway, a short avenue which led to the intersection of roads in the Pelennor Fields.[3]

The city of Minas Tirith (then known as Minas Anor) was built after S.A.3320 upon the founding of the realm of Gondor;[4] presumably the first Great Gate was installed at this time although it is unknown if the fortress-city had all seven of its levels at its earliest stage.

On 9 MarchT.A.3019[5]Gandalf and Pippin passed through the Great Gates on their way to meet Denethor II. Seeing the wizard the men at the Gate knew that "the storm is indeed nigh!" Gandalf did not dissuade them of this conclusion, proclaiming, "It is upon you" and that he had "ridden on its wings".[1]

Faramir was returning with his men to the city on 10 March[5] when the Nazgûl swooped upon them. Just before the Great Gate it appeared that they would reach Faramir when Gandalf rode in and dispelled them. The next day Denethor sent his son to man the Rammas Echor; when the forces of Sauron overwhelmed the defenders Faramir was again forced to lead his men back to the city. Again the Nazgûl dove upon the Gondorians. Not two furlongs from the Great Gate they attacked and this time managed to wound Faramir.[2]

In the great Battle of the Pelennor Fields, on 15 March3019,[5] the host of Sauron did not attempt to breach the City Wall; instead they concentrated upon breaking the Great Gate. Just before dawn they succeeded by using Grond, a hundred-foot long battering ram under the command of the Witch-king; the battering ram smashed the Great Gate three times while the Witch-king spoke words of power. He rode through the Great Gate where Gandalf awaited him, but then he flew away when the Rohirrim arrived.[2]